AN under-strength Belle Vue Select team slipped to a surprise 48-47 defeat at Rye House in Hertfordshire yesterday.

AN under-strength Belle Vue Select team slipped to a surprise 48-47 defeat at Rye House in Hertfordshire yesterday.

The FoneStyle UK Aces were without world champion Jason Crump, world under-21 championship semi-finalist Kenneth Bjerre and the in-form Andy Smith for their inter-league challenge at the home of the Premier League leaders.

"All credit to Rye House, they are top of their league and will probably go on to win it," said boss Ian Thomas.

The Aces will be back to full strength for tomorrow's Elite League home match against Wolverhampton (7.45pm).